Save Experience a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired delight with this Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush. This salad brings together the salty richness of golden-fried halloumi and the bright, citrusy notes of juicy blood orange segments for a perfectly balanced vegetarian meal.
Save Traditional fattoush gets a modern twist here with the addition of seasonal citrus and grilled cheese. The zesty sumac dressing ties all the fresh vegetables together, creating a dish that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients
- Salad: 200 g halloumi cheese (sliced 1 cm thick), 2 blood oranges (peeled and segmented), 150 g mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, parsley, mint), 1 small cucumber (diced), 8 cherry tomatoes (halved), ½ small red onion (thinly sliced), 2 radishes (thinly sliced).
- Croutons: 2 thick slices sourdough bread (cut into cubes), 2 tbsp olive oil, pinch of sea salt.
- Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses, 1 tsp sumac, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp sea salt.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss sourdough cubes in olive oil and sea salt. Spread on a baking tray and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy; set aside to cool.
- Step 2
- In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, fry the halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain briefly on a paper towel.
- Step 3
- In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, radishes, and blood orange segments.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, sumac, black pepper, and salt to make the dressing.
- Step 5
- Add the fried halloumi and sourdough croutons to the salad bowl. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine.
- Step 6
- Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best texture, ensure your non-stick skillet is properly heated before adding the halloumi slices. Frying them for just a few minutes per side creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside soft.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If blood oranges are unavailable, you can substitute them with regular navel oranges or pink grapefruit for a similar citrus profile. Adding a handful of fresh pomegranate seeds can also provide a colorful and tangy garnish.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra layer of crunch, sprinkle the salad with toasted pistachios or walnuts. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Save This Halloumi Blood Orange Fattoush is a refreshing yet filling choice for a light lunch or a standout side dish. Enjoy the harmony of traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes fattoush different from regular salad?
Fattoush is a Middle Eastern salad characterized by crispy fried or toasted bread pieces mixed with fresh vegetables and herbs. The addition of sumac, a tart citrusy spice, and pomegranate molasses in the dressing gives it a distinct tangy flavor profile that sets it apart from other salads.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to a day in advance. The croutons can be made several hours ahead and stored in an airtight container. However, fry the halloumi just before serving for the best texture and flavor, and toss everything together right before eating to maintain crispness.
- → What can I substitute for blood oranges?
Regular navel oranges work well as a substitute, offering similar sweetness. Pink or red grapefruit provides a more tart, complex flavor that still complements the salty halloumi. Even segmented mandarins or clementines can work in a pinch, though they're sweeter and less complex.
- → How do I prevent halloumi from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking the halloumi—just 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat is enough to achieve a golden crust while keeping the inside soft and creamy. Don't use high heat as it will toughen the cheese quickly. Serve immediately after frying for the best texture.
- → Is this salad filling enough for a main course?
Yes, with 200g of halloumi and sourdough croutons, this salad provides substantial protein and carbohydrates, making it satisfying enough for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of protein from the cheese, fiber from vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil creates a balanced meal.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the sourdough croutons with gluten-free bread cubes or omit them entirely. You can add extra vegetables or toasted nuts like pistachios and walnuts for additional crunch. Halloumi is naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to ensure no cross-contamination.